Factory / Operations Manager

About the role

The Factory/Operations Manager leads and oversees end-to-end factory operations across production, engineering and warehousing, ensuring efficient, cost-effective and high-quality manufacturing of stationery products. The role translates business plans into operational execution, optimizes processes, improves productivity, keeps equipment reliable and maintains accurate inventory, working closely with Sales, Procurement and Finance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead production planning and execution to meet volume, quality and cost targets, with adherence to schedules aligned to sales forecasts
• Optimize use of manpower, machinery and materials, and drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance, capex planning and plant upgrades, keeping equipment reliable and minimizing downtime
• Control inventory of raw materials, WIP and finished goods, and oversee warehousing, storage, handling and dispatch
• Work with Procurement on raw material availability, with Sales on demand forecasts, and with Finance on cost control, budgeting and reporting
• Drive cost optimization across production, utilities and logistics, and monitor manufacturing costs against budget
• Ensure product quality standards, HSE standards and regulatory compliance
• Lead the Production Manager, Inventory Manager and Plant Engineer, and build the capabilities of the operations team
• Establish Lean, Kaizen and Root Cause Analysis methodologies and improve operational reporting

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Chemistry or a related field
• Minimum 7-10 years' experience in manufacturing operations in FMCG, stationery, packaging or other high-volume production environments
• Proven experience managing production, engineering and warehouse functions
• Track record of improving efficiency, reducing costs and leading teams
• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environments

Required skills

• Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen or similar professional certifications in Operations, Supply Chain or Manufacturing are an added advantage
• Lean manufacturing, inventory control and cost control